U.S. patent application number 13/502031 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-02 for hands-free device.
Invention is credited to Xavier Mateu Codina.
Application Number | 20120196538 13/502031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43899860 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120196538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mateu Codina; Xavier |
August 2, 2012 |
HANDS-FREE DEVICE
Abstract
The invention relates to a device of the type commonly known on
the market as "hands-free", i.e. devices that do not require input
from the hands (fingers) in order to function, which has the
essential feature of the device being installed, in one of the
preferred embodiments thereof, inside a helmet, this embodiment
applying to persons driving a vehicle with two or more wheels, to
cyclists, skiers and other users of any type of helmet.
Furthermore, the device of the invention may be used, in addition
to being used for communication between passengers in the same
vehicle, for communication between passengers in different vehicles
or as a means of communication between two users who are walkers,
cyclists or participants in other sports.
Inventors: |
Mateu Codina; Xavier;
(Barcelona, ES) |
Family ID: |
43899860 |
Appl. No.: |
13/502031 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
October 19, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ES10/70671 |
371 Date: |
April 13, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/41.2 ;
455/563; 455/569.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/41.2 ;
455/569.1; 455/563 |
International
Class: |
H04W 88/02 20090101
H04W088/02; H04B 7/00 20060101 H04B007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 19, 2009 |
ES |
P200930867 |
Oct 18, 2010 |
ES |
P201031529 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" formed at least by a speaker (13) which are
used inside or over the ear canal, characterised in that the
hands-free device (10) is fitted inside a helmet, whatever type of
helmet is used, by means of an adherent textile coating, such as
Velcro (14) on the opposite side of the main unit and its body
(12), and in which a microphone assembly (29) is incorporated
comprising, in addition to the microphone (17): a multi-function
push button (30) by which the user can control predetermined
functions by manually pressing the buttons, such as on/off or
accepting calls, and an LED confirmation indicator (31) designed to
switch on or off when the user presses the multifunction push
button.
23. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that, alternatively, the same hands-free device (10) incorporate,
in addition to the first speaker (13), a second speaker (13), with
similar features to the first, but without a switch (18),
microphone (17) and rod (16), this second speaker (13) it connected
to the first via a twin core cable (21), connecting to the body
(12) with a jack (23).
24. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that if the user is wearing a full face helmet, the device may do
without the rod (16), securing the microphone (17) to the inside of
the helmet with a Velcro type adherent material, and linked to the
main unit with a twin core cable.
25. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that both speakers (13) and the entire device (10) are secured to
the helmet, using a Velcro type adherent material (14) on one of
the sides of the speaker (13), staying inside the helmet or can be
detached and fitted into another helmet.
26. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that, alternatively, when the user is not wearing a helmet, the
hands-free device (11) can be secured to the user's head with an
elastic band (20).
27. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that the body (12) of the main unit and its perimeter (19)
incorporate a mini-USB connector (24) for charging the battery.
28. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that alternatively, the multi-position switch (18) will be fitted
to a control module of the device (10), secured to the handlebar of
the vehicle, and connected to the body (12) of the main unit by
radio frequency.
29. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that the multi-function push button works by the user pressing the
multi-function push button for short and/or long periods.
30. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that the multi-function push button works by the user pressing the
multi-function push button for short periods, offers the following
functions: 1.--accept a phone calls from the exterior, and/or
2.--hang up a call, and/or 3.--activate voice dialing the, and/or
4.--synchronise the device with other equipment (mobile phone, PDA,
MP3, GPS . . . ).
31. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that the multi-function push button works by the user pressing the
multi-function push button for long periods offers the following
functions: 5.--On (activation of the hands-free device). 6.--Off
(deactivation of the hands-free device). 7.--Association with a
Bluetooth terminal.
32. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that the hands-free device has additionally a communication
function between the device and other hands-free devices of
different users physically separated from each other.
33. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 29, characterised in
that the hands-free device comprises, according to a first version
of the new hands-free device, two visually identical boxes, left
and right hand, the left-hand box has a printed circuit board and
the left-hand speaker, the electronics in this left-hand box being
connected to the microphone assembly, and the right-hand box, which
are connected together with a cable, containing the other speaker
and a battery.
34. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to the claim 33, characterised in
that, additionally, the elements in the right-hand box are
connected via the corresponding cable to a function switch.
35. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 33, characterised in
that the electronics of the left-hand box uses Bluetooth protocol
with HFP, HSP and A2DP profiles, with optional mono or stereo
selection, vocal response and optionally with automatic volume.
36. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that the hands-free device, in accordance with a second version of
the new hands-free device, comprises two boxes, the left-hand box
contains all the electronics, including the speaker, batteries and
the electronic circuit board, connected to a microphone, and the
right-hand box only contains a speaker.
37. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to the claim 36, characterised in
that the electronics of the left-hand box uses preferably Bluetooth
protocol with HFP and HSP profiles, or Bluetooth protocol with HFP,
HSP and A2DP profiles.
38. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that the hands-free device, in accordance with a third version of
the new hands-free device, comprises a single left-hand box, with
the same components as the previous version (all the electronics,
including the speaker, the batteries and the circuit board)
connected to the microphone assembly.
39. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to the claim 38, characterised in
that the electronics of the left-hand box uses preferably Bluetooth
protocol with HFP and HSP profiles, or Bluetooth protocol with HFP,
HSP and A2DP profiles.
40. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that, optionally, the hands-free device of the invention has, in
addition to the LED system, an acoustic confirmation system with
different sounds depending on the function activated by the
user.
41. "HANDS-FREE DEVICE" according to claim 22, characterised in
that the electronics of the left-hand box is connected to a charger
connector with a cable.
Description
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention refers to a device of the type commonly known
on the market as "hands-free", i.e. devices that do not require
input from hands (fingers) in order to function, with the essential
feature of the device being that in one of the preferred
embodiments, it is installed inside a helmet of any kind, i.e. it
is universal and does not require any modification of the helmet or
any addition of complementary parts for its installation, this
embodiment applying to persons driving a vehicle with two or more
wheels, cyclists, skiers and other users of any type of helmet.
[0002] Alternatively, the same device, without modification of any
kind, may incorporated to the user's head, using an elastic band,
for practicing athletics, hiking, & other activities for
instance.
[0003] Furthermore, the invention introduces improvements so that
the "hands-free device" may be used, in addition to communication
between passengers in the same vehicle, for communication between
passengers in different vehicles separated by a certain
distance.
[0004] In addition, another of the aims of the present invention is
that the hands-free device can be used as a means of communication
between two users hiking, cycling or practicing other sports.
STATE OF THE ART
[0005] On the market there are, and therefore can be considered as
the closest state of the art to this invention, a wide range of
devices that receive calls in vehicles with two or more wheels,
which need to be suitably integrated into the mandatory helmet,
comprising basically two parts, the main part being the earphones
and the microphone which are integrated into the helmet.
[0006] Some of the known devices use earphones which are inserted
into the ear canal, and therefore they are cumbersome to insert and
remove as well as possibly limiting the reception of other sounds
that need to be heard while riding or practicing the activity in
question.
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The design of a versatile and universal device for use with
a helmet or without, easy to fit and use.
[0008] Fitted on the inside of any type of helmet, which avoids
distributors and specialist shops needing to have numerous stocks,
and thus a high investment, as a result the production runs and
units produced can be larger and the final retail price lower.
[0009] When fitted, there is no need for any module external to the
helmet and therefore is easier to use. More convenient for the
user, as both the transmitting antenna and all the hardware are
incorporated into the same module of the hands-free device, using
one or two speakers, without any extra module, being powered by one
or two batteries.
[0010] Earphones inserted into the ear canal are not used and it
incorporates a microphone close to the mouth, connected by a
cable.
[0011] The on/off and sound volume adjustment controls are
contained in a multi-position switch and connected to the main unit
through a multicore cable and a connector, and alternatively to a
remote control on the handlebar, connected to the helmet via radio
link.
[0012] Due to the thinness of the device, it is very comfortable to
use with a helmet, in contrast to existent hands-free devices that
are much thicker and cannot be used inside a helmet.
[0013] Another of the aims of the invention is to enable the use
and commercialisation of this hands-free device for sports
activities, whether the sport requires wearing a helmet (e.g.,
cycling, skiing and any other type of sport using a helmet) or not,
for instance for running, trekking or others.
[0014] Alternatively, when a helmet is not necessary, the
hands-free device can have a securing system such as an elastic
band round the head.
[0015] Anther aim of the invention is to incorporate, without
changing the aforementioned basic features of the hands-free
device, other important features that do not modify the format of
the device but do enable additional functions not included in the
main version.
[0016] The users of these types of hands-free devices are two-wheel
vehicle passengers as well as people practicing other sports
individually, who can only communicate when travelling in the same
vehicle, in the case of individuals alone, they cannot communicate.
Hence, the present invention includes this possibility: Vehicle
passengers will be able to communicate with passengers in other
vehicles, and people using this device but not riding on the
vehicle, as well, alternating this possibility without limiting the
aforementioned functions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In a first possible embodiment of the invention, the
hands-free device has a main unit that incorporates a flat
loudspeaker, an antenna, and the corresponding electronics for
operation and functions, with the aid of the corresponding
connectors, switches and push buttons and powered by one or two
batteries.
[0018] The main unit also has a connector (jack type) to connect a
control module, which includes a multi-position switch that
controls activation (ON/OFF), volume and other functions.
[0019] In an alternative variant of the first embodiment of the
invention, the hands-free device incorporates control module that
is physically detached from the main unit, fitted to the handlebar
of the vehicle and radio-linked to the main unit.
[0020] The main unit normally incorporates a rigid rod, this rod is
joined to the unit by one of its ends, and it has a microphone on
the opposite end. A twin core cable runs inside the rod to connect
the main unit to the microphone.
[0021] Finally, and to facilitate the installation of the device,
the loudspeaker has Velcro or other adherent textile material on
one of its sides, so it can be fitted to the helmet by simple
pressure.
[0022] If the user of the vehicle of two or more wheels uses a
full-face helmet, the rod can be done away with, and the microphone
will be fitted to the frontal part of the helmet with Velcro type
adherent material near the mouth of the user and connected with a
twin core cable to the main unit with a connector.
[0023] Alternatively, according to a second embodiment of the
invention, and when the hands-free device uses two speakers, the
second is connected to the first with a twin core cable, using a
jack-type connector for the input to the speakers.
[0024] The most important characteristics of the two aforementioned
embodiments is the incorporation of all the electronics of the
device in the main unit, so that the device does not require any
other element for its operation, neither inside nor outside the
helmet, only the mobile phone, MP3, navigator, and GPS or other
devices which may be typically in the user's pocket.
[0025] Regarding the electronics incorporated into the equipment,
the first and second embodiment of the invention will use wireless
Bluetooth technology for communication (preferably v2.1
specification or superior). In other possible embodiments of the
device, and with the aim of using the car stereo, which has two
speakers in some configurations, it will also incorporate A2DP
technology ("Advanced Audio Distribution Profile", protocol which
allows the transmission of a stereo Blue-Tooth audio signal).
[0026] Other possible variations of the device may incorporate an
extra wireless chip enabling communication using a closed protocol
with other devices such as: other units of the same device (for the
communication between motorcyclists or other users without needing
to use a mobile phone); control devices such as a remote control
fitted to the handlebar of the motorcycle (As described in patent
P200930534). Other devices that currently exist on the market such
as "TWIINS RCR PLUS" or even "TWIINS" by the addition of a DETA
type backpack, Audio Transmitter Device, fitted to said "TWIINS"
device.
[0027] A third possible embodiment of the invention contemplates a
new configuration of the left-hand side box, being slightly larger
and comprising the left-hand speaker and all the electronics of the
hands-free device: The batteries, and the electronic circuit board,
with a flexible tube or hose with a microphone on its end emerging
form this box, and the left-hand side box connected via a cable to
a charger connector.
[0028] In this third embodiment of the invention, the hose has an
upgraded microphone on its end that incorporates before the
microphone a new and useful multi-function push button control by
which the user can control predetermined functions with long and/or
short presses, and an LED confirmation indicator designed to switch
on and off when the user presses the multifunction push button, so
the user can know that the pressure on the push button has been
effective and has modified the function.
[0029] This third embodiment of the invention also incorporates
other elements that enable the new communication function between
users of different vehicles, or users without a vehicle.
[0030] This third embodiment has 3 different variations or
versions, which we will call "top range", "medium range" and "low
range".
[0031] The first version of the third embodiment of the hands-free
device, which we will call "top range" comprises two boxes that are
visibly identical, left and right. The left-hand box has the
electronic circuit board and the left-hand speaker, the electronics
in the box being connected to a microphone assembly, which has in
turn the microphone, an LED indicator and a multifunction push
button. The electronics of the left-hand box is connected to a
charger connector with a cable. This version, in addition to the
left-hand box, has another box of the same size on the right,
connected by a cable. This right-hand box contains the other
speaker (right-hand speaker) and a battery. Additionally, the
elements in the right-hand box are connected via the corresponding
cable to a function switch. The electronics of the left-hand box
uses preferably Bluetooth protocol with HFP, HSP and A2DP profiles,
with optional mono or stereo selection, vocal response and
optionally with automatic volume.
[0032] A second version of the third embodiment of the hands-free
device, which we will call "mid range" comprises two boxes, the
left-hand box contains all the electronics, including the speaker,
batteries and the electronic circuit board, connected to a
microphone, and the right-hand box only contains a speaker. Like
the previous device, the electronics of the left-hand box is
connected to a charger connector with a cable. The electronics of
the left-hand box uses preferably Bluetooth protocol with HFP and
HSP profiles, or Bluetooth protocol with HFP, HSP and A2DP
profiles.
[0033] A third version of the third embodiment of the hands-free
device, which we will call "low range" comprises a single left-hand
box, with the same ingredients as the previous version (all the
electronics, including the speaker, batteries and the electronic
circuit board, connected to a microphone). Like the previous
device, the electronics of the left-hand box is connected to a
charger connector with a cable. The electronics of the left-hand
box uses preferably Bluetooth protocol with HFP and HSP profiles,
or Bluetooth protocol with HFP, HSP and A2DP profiles.
[0034] In all these three versions of the third embodiment of the
hands-free device, both the right and the left-hand box can
incorporate means of adherence on the outside of the boxes, such as
Velcro.
[0035] In these three versions of the third embodiment of the
hands-free device, in order to enable the new communication
functions, the multi-function switch located on the main unit of
the first and second embodiments of the invention is replaced by a
multi-function push button on the microphone assembly, with the
following functions: [0036] accept a phone call from the exterior,
and/or [0037] hang up a call, and/or [0038] activate voice dialing
the, and/or [0039] synchronise the device with other equipment
(mobile phone, PDA, MP3, GPS . . . ).
[0040] The above functions are obtained through a short pressing of
the multi-function push button, each pressing will light up the LED
to inform the user that the pressure has become an order.
[0041] In these three versions of the third embodiment of the
hands-free device, the multi-function push button of the microphone
assembly additionally incorporates the following functions by means
of a long pressure: [0042] On (activation of the hands-free
device). [0043] Off (deactivation of the hands-free device). [0044]
Association with a Bluetooth terminal.
[0045] Likewise each pressing of the multi-function push button
will light up the corresponding LED indicator.
[0046] This third embodiment of the hands-free device also
optionally has, in addition to the LED system, an acoustic
confirmation system with different sounds depending on the function
activated by the user. All these confirmations of orders by sounds
allow the user not to lose sight of the road in front of the
vehicle, which is very important when the vehicle is in motion.
[0047] Other details and characteristics shall be shown throughout
the description below referring to drawings attached to this report
which are shown for illustrative but not limiting purposes only in
a drawing of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Below is a numbered list for the different parts of the
device described, which are indicated in the above drawings; (10)
hands-free device in helmet, (11) hands-free device without helmet,
(12) body of the main unit, (13) speaker, (14) Velcro, (15)
connector, (16) rod, (17) microphone, (18) multi-position switch,
(19) perimeter of (12), (20) elastic band, (21) twin core cable,
(22) multicore cable, (23) connectors, (24) battery charging
connector, (25a) "top range" hands-free device, (25b) "mid range"
hands-free device, (25c) "low range" hands-free device, (27d)
adhesive tape, (28) foam, (29) microphone assembly, (30)
multifunction push button, (31) LED indicator, (32) microphone
holes, (33i) left box, (33d) right box, (34i) left box speaker,
(34d) right box speaker, (35) microphone assembly connection tube,
(36) power cable, (37) charger connector, (38) function selector,
(39) function selector connection cable, (40) charger connector
connection tube, (42) battery, (43) printed circuit board.
[0049] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the second
embodiment of the hands-free device (10) with two speakers,
designed for use in a helmet.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a variation of the second
embodiment of the hands-free device (10), when it is used without a
helmet (12), with the aid of an elastic band (20).
[0051] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first variation ("Top
range") of the third embodiment of the hands-free device (25a),
which is formed by two identical boxes (33i, 33d), designed for use
inside a helmet using Velcro-type means to secure them (27), which
is placed on the outside of both boxes (33i, 33d).
[0052] FIG. 4 is a detail view of the microphone assembly (29) of
the hands-free device (25a) of FIG. 3.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second variation ("Mid
range") of the third embodiment of the hands-free device (25b),
which is formed by a left-hand box (33i) and a right-hand element
(33d').
[0054] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the third variation ("Low
range") of the third embodiment of the hands-free device (25c),
which is formed by a single left-hand box (33i).
[0055] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the layout of the "Top range"
(25a) hands-free device of FIG. 3.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the layout of the "Mid range"
(25b) hands-free device of FIG. 5.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the layout of the "Low range"
(25c) hands-free device of FIG. 6.
[0058] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the layout of the microphone
assembly (29) of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0059] In the second preferred embodiment of the invention, as can
be seen in the FIG. 1, the hands-free device (10) is comprised of a
main unit, the body (12) of which contains a speaker (13) on one of
its sides, while the opposite face is covered with an adherent
material such as Velcro (14) or similar, an antenna and the
electronics for operating the device (10), and on the perimeter of
said body (19) and in a lower position, there is a connector (23)
and a, multicore cable (22) that connects the body (12) of the main
unit to a multi-position switch (18) with the following functions:
[0060] On/Off. [0061] Accept/reject call. [0062] Volume [0063]
Others (Such as pre-tuning FM radio stations, etc.).
[0064] In the main unit and in its body (12) and on its perimeter
(19), is the microphone (17) with a rigid rod (16), and with a jack
connector (15). If using a full face helmet, the rigid rod (16) can
be eliminated, securing the microphone (17) with adherent Velcro
type material (14) or similar, connecting the microphone (17) to
the (12) main unit with a twin core cable.
[0065] The device in this second embodiment incorporates a second
speaker on the right (13) with identical features to the first, but
without a microphone (17) and rod (16). This second right-hand
speaker (13) is connected to the first with a twin core cable (21),
and input on the body of the speaker through a jack connector
(23).
[0066] Both speakers (13), left and right, and the device entire
(10) is fitted to the helmet, with Velcro (14) being secured
without any sort of studs or similar, staying in the helmet or
being removed to fit into another.
[0067] To charge the batteries that power the main unit, its body
(12) and the perimeter (19) of the same has a mini USB connector
(24).
[0068] Alternatively, the control module may be physically detached
from the body (12) of the device (10) and fitted to the vehicle
handlebar, communicating with the main unit by radio frequency.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 2, if the user practices a sport that does
not require the use of a helmet, there is an elastic band (20) to
secure the hands-free device (10) to the user's head.
[0070] Alternatively and in another possible embodiment, the
hands-free device with two speakers (13) of FIG. 1 incorporates a
closed protocol wireless chip, but it will not have a Bluetooth
chip, so it can be used as a slave receiver in communication
between, for example, the pilot and co-pilot.
[0071] In the third preferred embodiment of this invention, as may
be seen in FIGS. 3-10, the three versions described in the
hands-free device patent (25) comprise in all cases the possibility
of communication between two or more hands-free devices (25). For
this purpose, a flexible connection tube (35) coming out of the
left-hand box (33i), see FIG. 2, which incorporates a microphone
(29) in its end, which has a multi-function push button (30) so the
user can select orders by means of two types of pushes, either
short or long.
[0072] As clearly shown in FIG. 4, the multi-function push button
(30), which replaces the multi-function switch of embodiments one
and two depicted by number (18), is physically located close to the
holes of the microphone (32), with an LED indicator (31) located
between these microphone holes (32) and the multi-function push
button (30). The mission of this LED indicator is to confirm the
user that the pressure on the push button (30) has been effective
and has changed the function.
[0073] According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first version of
the third embodiment of the hands-free device (25a), which we will
call "Top range", comprises two boxes, identical in appearance
(33i, 33d); left (33i) and right (33d). The left-hand box (33i) has
the electronic circuit board (43) and the left-hand speaker (34i),
the electronics in the box being connected to a microphone assembly
(29), the electronics in the box being connected to a charger
connector (37) with a cable (40). This version, in addition to the
left-hand box, has another box (33i) of the same size on the right
(33d), connected by a flexible cable (35). This right-hand box
(33d) contains the other speaker (right-hand speaker, 34d) and the
battery (42d). Additionally, the elements contained in the
right-hand box are connected with the corresponding power cable
(39) to a function selector (38).
[0074] According to the embodiment of FIG. 4, in a second version
of the hands-free device of the third embodiment which we will call
"Mid range" (25b), it is formed by two boxes, the left-hand box
contains all the electronics including the left-hand speaker (34i),
the batteries (42i) and the printed circuit board (43) and is
connected to the microphone assembly (29), while the right-hand box
(33d) only contains the right-hand speaker (34d) and a Velcro type
support on the back (27). Like the "Top range" device, the
electronics of the left-hand box is connected to a charger
connector (37) with a cable (40).
[0075] According to FIG. 5, a third version of the third embodiment
of the hands-free device, which we will call "low range", has a
single left-hand box, with the same components as the previous
version, all the electronics, including the left-hand speaker
(34i), the batteries (42i) and the circuit board (43) connected to
the microphone assembly (29). Like the previous device, the
electronics of the left-hand box (33i) is connected to a charger
connector (37) with a cable (40).
[0076] Having sufficiently described this invention using the
figures attached, it is easy to understand that any modification
may be made to the detail which may be deemed to be appropriate,
whenever these changes do not alter the scope of the invention
summarised in the following claims.
* * * * *